Northeast Philadelphia Marks 1 Year Since Deadly Plane Crash

Memorial service planned to honor victims, community, and first responders

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:55am

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A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 31st in Northeast Philadelphia to mark the one-year anniversary of a deadly medical plane crash that killed all six people on board as well as two people on the ground. The event will pay tribute to the victims, community members, and first responders who were impacted by the tragedy.

Why it matters

The plane crash last year was a devastating event for the Northeast Philadelphia community, leaving many residents and businesses still recovering from the physical and emotional damage. The memorial service provides an opportunity for the community to come together, honor those lost, and reflect on the resilience shown in the aftermath.

The details

On January 31, 2025, a medical transport plane crashed near the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, killing all six people on board as well as two people on the ground. The heavy flames and explosion from the crash left many residents in shock and caused significant damage to nearby homes, businesses, and vehicles.

  • The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.
  • The plane crash occurred exactly one year prior on January 31, 2025.

The players

Mayor Cherelle Parker

The mayor of Philadelphia who is expected to attend the memorial service.

Engine 71

The fire company that was the first to respond to the scene of the plane crash.

Tim Davenport

A homeowner who witnessed the explosion and fire from his window during the plane crash.

Gerry Davenport

A community member who says the plane crash tragedy is something the neighborhood will never forget.

Greg Ott

The owner of Ott Insurance Group, whose business was damaged in the crash but has since reopened with the help of a nearby auto business.

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What they’re saying

“When the explosion happens, the fire came up. I was at my window, and the flame came right up to my window. I feel sorry for the families.”

— Tim Davenport, Homeowner (cbsnews.com)

“It was a tragedy, it was something that we'll never forget about.”

— Gerry Davenport, Community Member (cbsnews.com)

“I'm sure there's some buildings that are still not repaired, just for insurance reasons or they just didn't have the finances. But overall, we're all back [up and] running. ... Of course the financial impact is there, but fortunately I've been here for 30 years — our clients really came through and they supported us.”

— Greg Ott, Business Owner (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The memorial service on January 31st will provide an opportunity for the Northeast Philadelphia community to come together, honor those lost, and reflect on the resilience shown in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash.

The takeaway

The plane crash last year was a devastating event for the Northeast Philadelphia community, but the memorial service marks an important step in the healing process. Despite the ongoing physical and emotional impacts, the community has shown remarkable resilience in recovering and supporting one another through this tragedy.